Hudson School to perform ‘Once on This Island’HOBOKEN – The Hudson School students will be performing the play “Once on This Island” this weekend.

The story takes place on an island where “the sea, sparkling in the sun, earns it the name, ‘Jewel of the Antilles.’” A peasant girl, Ti Moune, rescues and falls in love with Daniel, a wealthy boy from the other side of her island. When Daniel is returned to his people, the fantastical gods who rule the island guide Ti Moune on a quest to test the strength of her love against the powerful forces of prejudice, hatred and death.

Directed and designed by Adam Sentoni, the cast includes, from Hoboken, Ali Gilman as Asaka and Robert Stark as Tonton Julian and Agwe. From West Orange, Lily Johnson plays Ti Moune, the peasant girl; and Jack Dorfman plays Papa Ge, the sly demon of death. From Montclair, Samantha Stein plays Mama Euralie, Savannah Mullarney plays Andrea, and RJ Konefal plays Armand. Coming from Bronx, N.Y., Bill Abreu plays Daniel; from Towaco, NJ, Aliana Kilmer plays the beautiful goddess of love, Erzulie; and from Woodbrige, Erica Rivera plays Little Ti Moune and the little peasant girl to which the Story is being told.

Based upon the novel, “My Love, My Love: The Peasant Girl” by Rosa Guy, and from the creators of Ragtime, The Glorious Ones, and Seussical: The Musical, the book and lyrics are by Lynn Ahrens, and the score is by Stephen Flaherty. The original 1991 Broadway production was directed and choreographed by Graciela Daniele, and starred La Chanze as Ti Moune.

Once On This Island will be presented at The Hudson School Performance Space, 601 Park Ave., Hoboken, NJ. Performance schedule includes three performances Friday and Saturday, Dec. 14 and 15 at 8 p.m., and Sunday Dec. 16 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15/$10 for students/seniors. For tickets and reservations, contact Adam Sentoni at (201) 659-8335 ext. 326.

Donate to pet food/supply drive through Dec. 19

As part of an international effort spearheaded by Pet Sitters International (PSI), a professional pet sitting organization that Whiskers and Leo Pet Care in Hudson County is a member of, the Hungry Bowl Drive serves to collect pet food and other items for local shelters and pets in need. The donations collected by Whiskers and Leo’s Hungry Bowl Drive will benefit the homeless pets of Liberty Humane Society shelter in Jersey City. People can drop off donations at various area pet supply stores in Hoboken and Jersey City and get discounts in return.

This is the second annual Hungry Bowl hosted by Whiskers and Leo Pet Care, and as part of a new promotion, Whiskers and Leo is offering 10 percent off all pet care services (whether to existing client or new clients) for donating to the Hungry Bowl. In addition, participating drop-off locations are also offering discounts (see below for specific offers.)